Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE HURDLERS, by HENRY DE MONTHERLANT



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE HURDLERS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: They near the hurdle full speed
Last Line: Dying beyond the line.
Subject(s): Athletes; Legs


They near the hurdle full speed,
They clear it in their stride.
They do not leap; they elide;
It fits the leg's need.

Keep the legs flexed!
Three paces to the next.

The foreleg stiff on the take.
The body seems just to graze.
The rear leg lifts in the wake,
Heedless essays
The futile height.
Perfect gentleness! Delight
Of seeing how leisurely they proceed
At the height of their speed!

They pass! That finish is fine!
Tape snaps across a breast.
The surge flows to rest,
Dying beyond the line.





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